Illustration Major Justine Massabny Thrives as Education & Design Intern at the Montclair Art Museum
Posted in: Announcements
The Department of Art & Design is proud to highlight Illustration student Justine Massabny, whose ongoing work at the Montclair Art Museum (MAM) has offered her an exceptional range of professional experiences in museum education, design, and community engagement.
Justine began working with MAM in October 2024 as an Education Intern, later accepting a position as a SummerArt Associate, and currently serves as an Education Design Intern, a role that has expanded her skills across exhibition support, design, and public programming.
Over the summer, Justine led a major project: the redesign of the Family Learning Lab in conjunction with MAM’s newest exhibitions featuring the work of Tom Nussbaum and Christine Romanell. She guided the project from concept to completion, pitching ideas and mockups to the Education Department and directly to Nussbaum. Her goal was to create a space that was not only engaging and inclusive for all ages, but also visually connected to the themes and material language of the exhibitions on view. “I wanted to make sure the activities were accessible, varied, and fun for everyone,” Justine shared. “Bringing the artists’ themes directly into the Learning Lab helped bridge the gallery experience with a hands-on space.” She also assisted during the installation of the educational vinyls, gaining insight into the technical processes behind museum exhibition design. The redesigned Learning Lab which is now open to the public Friday through Sunday, will remain on view through next summer. “I’m so proud of how the room came together after months of work,” she said. “Seeing families enjoy the space each week is incredibly rewarding.”
Her internship has offered her broad involvement across the museum, where she has contributed to design work for educational materials, supported events such as exhibition openings, book signings, docent training, and accessibility programs, led gallery tours, and even exhibited her own artwork in MAM’s Summer Staff Gallery. She credits her coursework at Montclair State University with preparing her especially well for the role, noting that her Art History classes strengthened her understanding of Indigenous art which has been essential for engaging with MAM’s significant Native American art collection. Justine discovered the internship through Handshake, a resource supported through Montclair State University’s partnership with MAM to provide students with high-impact professional opportunities.
Her passion for museum education has extended to campus as well. This fall, she became a Student Educator at the newly reopened Segal Gallery, where she has immersed herself in the Black Metal exhibition. Giving students and faculty guided tours has been a highlight: “So many visitors are surprised and excited to find work like this right here on campus.”
Constant exposure to diverse artworks, practices, and perspectives has deeply energized her own creative development. “I find I’m most inspired in my personal work when I’m surrounded by art,” she said.
“Learning about different artists and mediums pushes me to explore more in my own practice.”
-Justine Massabny
Justine has also been active in a range of creative projects beyond her museum work, recently earning second place in the MSU Postcard Competition, contributing an illustration for the 2023 Global Citizen conferences, and preparing for her Spring Thesis Illustration Exhibition, which will feature a fully illustrated and designed magazine centered on antiques alongside original artworks.
About the Artist
Justine Massabny is an illustrator and designer with a deep love for vintage and surrealist aesthetics. She believes beauty and intricacy can be found in every corner of the world, fueling her passion for creating. Her practice spans acrylic painting, digital illustration, and the design of posters and publication covers.
For more information about Justine, please follow these links: